Written by: Robyn Shulman, with guest contributor Greg Beeler.

Dear Teachers: A Parent’s Perspective on Teaching, Care, and Responsibility

If you missed the original post by Greg Beeler of Guydelines, you’re invited to read this thoughtful reflection and share your thoughts. Greg is a parent who writes about daily life, relationships, and the small moments that shape us. I found his message compelling and relevant, especially because he wrote it in the aftermath of the Newtown tragedy and in the context of the national conversation about arms and school safety.

Greg’s note is not only about that debate; it is a heartfelt reminder of how many roles teachers perform every day. Effective educators do far more than deliver academic content. They serve as mentors, coaches, tutors, counselors, caretakers, and—at times—first responders. They often feed kids breakfast and lunch, help them manage social conflicts, and guide them through academic and personal challenges. Teachers juggle countless responsibilities before school, during school, after hours, on weekends, and even through the summer.

Teachers as Multitaskers: More Than Classroom Instruction

Greg captures an appreciation many teachers rarely hear. The job doesn’t end with the final bell. Teachers are frequently social workers who notice when a child is struggling at home, editors and writers who help shape young voices, and performers who keep students engaged. They want every student to succeed academically, to grow socially and emotionally, and, above all, to be safe. The modern classroom requires patience, creativity, and an extraordinary ability to multitask.

Another important point Greg raises is the evolving role of parents and the expectations placed on educators. Not every parent expects or asks teachers to shoulder these responsibilities, and it would be unfair to generalize. Still, teachers often find themselves filling in for gaps that exist outside school—sometimes by design, sometimes by default. Some of those responsibilities touch on policy and politics, and others fall squarely into parental duties.

Greg’s original post resonated widely: it earned more than 100,000 likes on Facebook and has been translated into seven languages. He gave permission for his words to be shared. Below is his message as he framed it—a clear, sharp look at what some parents expect from teachers and what it feels like to trust educators with so much.

The Letter

Dear Teachers,

Please be at school early so I can drop my children off on my way to work. Feed them breakfast while they’re there—and make sure it’s healthier than what I manage at home. Teach them math and science because we rarely practice those subjects at home. Also, teach them the moral and religious values I don’t always model.

Celebrate their successes and recognize each child’s strengths. Make sure everyone feels like a winner and that no one is left out. Watch for bullies and troublemakers; I don’t have time to discover whether my child is the one who is “different.” Notice each student’s talents and tell me about them during our ten-minute parent-teacher conferences.

Love and care for my children as if they were your own. I’m working long hours to provide for my family and I don’t have the spare time you seem to have. Learn how to protect my children—some say teachers should even be armed—and keep them safe while they are in your care. Make sure every student who leaves your classroom is safe, smart, emotionally balanced, and free of social issues.

I struggle with parenting my two kids, but you have a degree in education, so surely you can handle 38 students with ease. When you finish this list, let me know; I have more ideas about how you can raise my children for me.

Thanks,

A Parent

Questions for Reflection

Do you believe this letter reflects current societal expectations? Are parents asking too much of teachers? Why or why not? These are important questions for communities to consider as we talk about school roles, safety, and shared responsibility between families and educators.

Note: Greg does not only write about education; his posts cover a variety of topics. If you want to find his original writing, search for Greg Beeler or Guydelines on Facebook. He granted permission for this piece to be shared and translated.

This reflection highlights the daily realities teachers face and invites a community conversation about how we support both educators and families in raising safe, healthy, and successful children.